‘War of the Worlds’ trailer: Demelza from ‘Poldark’ stars in new BBC series

The first trailer has been released for the BBC’s new adaptation of The War of the Worlds.

Based on H. G. Wells’s classic sci-fi novel, the upcoming mini-series comes from the makers of Poldark and Victoria, scripted by Wallander writer Peter Harness.

This is the first ever version of the story to be set in the book’s original time period and location, rather than updated to modern times.

Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark) and Rafe Spall (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) are leading the cast, alongside Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) and Rupert Graves (Sherlock).

The War of the Worlds is expected to premiere on BBC One in the UK later this autumn.

The official synopsis reads: “Set in Edwardian England, this new adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal tale – the first alien invasion story in literature – follows George (played by Rafe Spall) and his partner Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson) as they attempt to defy society and start a life together.

“Rupert Graves is Frederick, George’s elder brother, and Robert Carlyle plays Ogilvy, an astronomer and scientist. The War of the Worlds tells their story as they face the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension.”

Watch the trailer:

The three-part adaptation began filming in March 2018 and was due to air last autumn, but its broadcast was delayed for unspecified reasons.

Writer Peter Harness previously commented: “The version of The War of the Worlds that I wanted to make is one that’s faithful to the tone and the spirit of the book, but which also feels contemporary, surprising and full of shocks: a collision of sci-fi, period drama and horror.”

Another TV adaptation of The War of the Worlds is also on the way starring Elizabeth McGovern, best known as Lady Cora from Downton Abbey.

H. G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds novel is available on Amazon.